Khawaja Asif hints at PPP joining federal govt

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has hinted at the possibility of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN)-led federal government, suggesting that cooperation between the two major political parties could be fruitful for advancing the country’s national agenda.

Speaking to Geo News on Tuesday, Asif said: “I have been in politics for a considerable amount of time. The chances have increased substantially that if there’s an arrangement between both parties in which we can work for our national agenda, then it would be something good, and I would appreciate that.”

While noting that he could not provide a roadmap or confirm the details of any current negotiations, the senior PMLN leader said his comments were based on political experience rather than insider knowledge.

“I have no idea what sort of talks are taking place and at what stage. I was asked a question, and I responded as per my political calculations.”

The PPP, which currently holds constitutional offices including the presidency and governorships, does not occupy any executive posts in the federal cabinet. However, the party has demonstrated support for the ruling coalition in recent months — most notably by backing the PMLN-led budget and supporting key legislative initiatives in parliament.

Ties between the two parties also appeared to strengthen after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to lead a delegation to Western capitals to counter India’s narrative following a recent conflict between the two nuclear neighbours.

PPP leader and Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said recently that his party is currently not considering joining the federal government. No formal invitation has been extended by the PMLN to PPP for joining the government, he told reporters in Karachi. However, Memon added: “If such a proposal is made in future, the party might consider it.”